What are the two natures of a believer?

I. Definition and Overview

Believers, throughout Scripture, are described as having two distinct natures: one rooted in the legacy of human fallenness (“the old self” or “the flesh”) and the other flowing from a transformative, Spirit-empowered renewal (“the new self” or “the Spirit”). These two natures form a central aspect of Christian teaching on sanctification, directly informing how one relates to God, the world, and oneself. This topic appears most clearly in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul, though it is foreshadowed in the Hebrew Scriptures as well.

II. Biblical Foundations

The tension between the old nature and the new nature is evident in multiple passages:

• Romans 7:15–17: “I do not understand what I do. For I do not practice what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate… So it is no longer I who do it, but sin living in me.”

• Ephesians 4:22–24: “You were taught…to put off your former way of life, your old self…to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

• Galatians 5:16–17: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”

In each passage, Scripture carefully distinguishes between the believer’s old nature, governed by sin, and the new nature, which is animated and guided by the Holy Spirit.

III. The Old Nature

1. Origins in the Fall

The old nature stems from humanity’s break with God in Genesis. According to Genesis 3, humanity fell under the power of sin through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Romans 5:12 underscores how sin and death entered the world through one man’s trespass, thus affecting all subsequent generations. Archaeological and textual evidence (e.g., cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia that depict widespread human brokenness) aligns with the Bible’s depiction of corruption permeating human history.

2. Characteristics of the Old Nature

This nature is marked by self-centeredness, pride, and the inclination to violate God’s commands. Galatians 5:19–21 lists representative “works of the flesh,” including impurity, strife, and envy. It is a spiritually “dead” nature, incapable of genuine righteousness before God (see Ephesians 2:1).

3. Perpetual Inclination Toward Sin

The old nature remains present even after one believes, seeking to pull the believer toward sinful habits. Paul’s personal struggle in Romans 7 testifies that this battle continues as long as we inhabit mortal bodies. It is not eradicated but subjected to the redeeming work of Christ and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

IV. The New Nature

1. New Creation in Christ

Scripture speaks of a radical spiritual transformation that happens at the moment of salvation. Under the old covenant, a new heart was promised (Ezekiel 36:26). This promise finds its fulfillment in the new covenant, wherein a believer is “born again” (John 3:3) and becomes “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Dead Sea Scrolls verify the Messianic hope of transformation and redemption, echoing what the New Testament describes in fuller detail.

2. Powered by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit indwells the believer, enabling moral and spiritual growth. He convicts (John 16:8), guides into truth (John 16:13), and imparts spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12). This new nature is inherently oriented toward God, seeking to please Him through holiness, prayer, service, and love.

3. Marked by Christlike Character

Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the “fruit of the Spirit” as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This indicates evidence of the new nature’s presence. Though a believer’s practical outworking of these attributes may fluctuate, the underlying disposition of the new nature aligns with God’s righteousness.

V. Ongoing Conflict Between the Natures

1. Scriptural Examples

The Apostle Paul’s confession in Romans 7 reveals that even as a believer, he wrestled with sin. This existential struggle serves as a paradigm for all who follow Christ. There is a lifelong tension: the flesh opposes the Spirit, and the Spirit opposes the flesh (Galatians 5:17).

2. Practical Daily Battle

Prayer, immersion in Scripture, and fellowship with other believers bolster the new nature, enabling victory over the impulses of the old. Epistles like 1 John offer encouragement: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4).

3. Hope of Ultimate Deliverance

The conflict is not eternal. Romans 8:23 highlights that believers “groan inwardly” while awaiting the redemption of their bodies. In resurrection, the old nature will be wholly overcome, consummating the work of Christ’s redemption.

VI. Living Out the Two Natures

1. Walking in the Spirit

Believers are exhorted to “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and to “set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2). This involves formative spiritual disciplines: daily prayer, consistent Bible engagement, participation in worship, and service to others. Submitting to the Holy Spirit’s guidance helps subdue the old nature’s impulses.

2. Putting Off and Putting On

In practical terms, Ephesians 4:22–24 commands believers to actively put off the old self with its deceitful desires and put on the new self, which is “created to be like God.” The language suggests deliberate action and conscious choice. Historical theological writings (e.g., the early church catechetical teachings preserved in various manuscripts) emphasize a discipline of renunciation (rejecting sinful practices) and affirmation (embracing righteousness).

3. Continuous Renewal

Though the believer’s identity is permanently changed at conversion, the daily renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) is critical. Habitual patterns of thought and behavior must realign with the truth of Christ. This gradual transformation, confirmed by personal and communal testimonies across centuries, attests to the ongoing process of sanctification.

VII. Consistency with Manuscript Evidence and History

1. Reliability of the New Testament Text

Passages discussing the two natures of believers (notably in Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians) are among the best-attested in ancient manuscripts. Papyrus fragments such as P46 (dated to around AD 200) contain large portions of Paul’s letters, supporting the message about life by the Spirit versus life gratifying the flesh. The consistent wording across thousands of Greek manuscripts points to a stable transmission of the doctrinal teaching on these two natures.

2. Archaeological and Historical Backing

Archaeological finds, including early Christian gatherings in first-century house churches, demonstrate that communities shaped by these Pauline doctrines spread widely. Early church fathers (e.g., Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp) echo the same teachings, underscoring that believers wrestle with sin while cultivating a refreshed identity in Christ.

3. Philosophical and Behavioral Correlation

Observations of moral and behavioral change among people who come to faith highlight the validity of this two-nature model. Accounts throughout church history, as well as modern-day personal testimonies of transformation, align with biblical teaching. Scholars studying conversion narratives have noted consistent patterns of radical moral reorientation, suggesting a real “new self” at work.

VIII. Practical Application

1. Self-Examination and Repentance

Recognizing the old nature fosters humility and dependence on God. James 4:8 states, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded”. Honest confession and repentance prevent sin from gaining dominance.

2. Confidence in Christ’s Victory

Because victory rests on the completed work of Jesus, believers can persevere despite struggles. Romans 8:1 proclaims: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This assurance emboldens believers to pursue holiness without fear of ultimate failure.

3. Cultivating Spiritual Disciplines

Regular Bible study, prayer, community worship, and service strengthen the new nature. As believers saturate their minds with Scripture and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power, the fruits of righteousness grow increasingly evident.

IX. Conclusion

The question of a believer’s two natures addresses the fundamental challenge of living a renewed life in a fallen world. The old nature, inherited through humanity’s fall, contrasts sharply with the new nature imparted by grace. Scripture plainly depicts this tension but also points to the provision of the Holy Spirit—offering strength, guidance, and certainty of ultimate triumph in Christ.

Manuscript evidence, corroborated by archaeological and historical testimony, strongly affirms the doctrines surrounding these two natures. The uniform witness of the Epistles, early Christian writings, and centuries of transformed life narratives reveals an unbroken thread of teaching: the believer’s old nature remains present, yet the new nature—empowered by God—assures a progressive sanctification and final victory.

Paul’s exhortations and resounding hope console each person who struggles with the pull of the flesh. He reminds believers that they are “more than conquerors” through the risen Christ (Romans 8:37). Embracing the truth of both natures encourages a realistic view of the Christian walk, while fueling a steadfast pursuit of growth, holiness, and love—ultimately all for the glory of God.